Methods and apparatus for controlled scrubbing and aeration of liquid medium

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for controlled ventilation and aeration of liquid medium includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealed space is defined under the dome and above the flotation liquid, one or more orifices, the orifices configured in the dome, and an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein the aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present United StatesNon-Provisional patent application is a continuation-in-part of, andhereby claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application entitled, “Method and Apparatus for ControlledAeration of Liquid Medium in a Pipe,” filed on Jul. 20, 2010, havingassigned Ser. No. 12/840,017 (a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 12/555,786, filed on Sep. 8, 2009), which claims priority to and thefull benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application entitled,“Method and Apparatus for Submersible or Self Contained Aeration ofLiquid Medium,” filed on Sep. 8, 2009, having assigned Ser. No.12/555,786 (a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/464,852,filed on May 12, 2009) and issued under U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,869 on Jun.5, 2012, which claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application entitled, “Method and Apparatus forAeration of Liquid Medium in a Pipe,” filed on May 12, 2009, havingassigned Ser. No. 12/464,852 (a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 12/187,905, filed on Aug. 7, 2008) and issued under U.S. Pat. No.8,096,531 on Jan. 17, 2012, which claims priority to and the fullbenefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application entitled “Method andApparatus for Aeration of Liquid Medium,” filed on Aug. 7, 2008, havingassigned Ser. No. 12/187,905 (a divisional of application Ser. No.11/131,113, filed on May 17, 2005) and issued under U.S. Pat. No.7,531,097 on May 12, 2009, which claims priority to and the full benefitof U.S. Non-Provisional patent application entitled “Method andApparatus for Aeration of Liquid Medium,” filed on May 17, 2005, havingassigned Ser. No. 11/131,113, and issued under U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,058on Sep. 23, 2008, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for mixing gas, suchas air, with liquid, and more specifically the disclosure relates toaeration of wastewater, sewage and industrial waste including any bodyof water or liquid.

BACKGROUND

Wastewater from both municipal sewage systems and from industrial wasteproduct exhausting systems is usually collected in large ponds, ditches,or basins that are referred to as wastewater ponds. Such ponds may be afew to several feet deep and may cover quite a number of acres ofsurface area. The wastewater usually includes large amounts of organicand inorganic waste material that, if left untreated, creates severeodors and can generates toxic products.

Moreover, EPA has published dissolved oxygen (DO) criteria for liquid,such as fresh, salt and brackish water, and wastewater, sewage andindustrial wastewater discharges into the same bodies of water toprotect organisms and their uses from the adverse effects of low DOconditions. The Agency developed these criteria because hypoxia (lowdissolved oxygen) is a significant problem for lakes, streams, rivers,and coastal waters that receive a lot of runoff that contain nutrients(for example, nitrogen and phosphorous and other oxygen-demandingbiological wastes). Excessive nutrients in aquatic systems stimulatealgae growth, which in turn uses up the oxygen needed to maintainhealthy fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life populations.

EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) for lakes,streams, rivers, and coastal waters has shown areas exposed to somedissolved oxygen concentrations of less than 5 mg/L. Long periods of DObelow 5 mg/L can harm larva life stages for many fish, shellfish, andother aquatic life populations.

The EPA's dissolved oxygen criteria apply to both continuous and cycliclow DO conditions. If the DO conditions are always above the chroniccriterion for growth (4.8 mg/L), the aquatic life at that locationshould not be harmed. If the DO conditions at a site are below thejuvenile/adult survival criterion (2.3 mg/L), there is not enough DO toprotect aquatic life.

Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), states, territories, and tribes mustadopt water quality criteria to protect designated uses. The EPA haspromulgated regulations to implement this requirement including levelsof DO (see 40 CFR 131).

The most common method of wastewater treatment uses an activated sludgeprocess. This process involves three major steps. The primary treatmentstage consists of a simple separation between dense sludge, which issent to an incinerator or land fill, and the remaining effluent liquidsludge then undergoes secondary treatment. Secondary treatment is wherethe biochemical consumption of organic material takes place. Themicroorganisms present in the liquid sludge feast on the biomass in thewastewater pond. Extensive aeration is needed for the bacteria toconsume the organic wastes.

The third phase of treatment can be simple or extensive depending uponthe extent of pollution and the requirements for water purity. Itspurpose is to remove inorganic pollutants as well as any organic massnot removed by the primary and secondary stages. Lastly, the treatedwater is discharged back into the environment. This discharge must meetfederal, state, county and city government standards for dischargedwater, such as minimum dissolved oxygen levels deemed necessary toaccommodate marine life, before such wastewater can be discharged into ariver or stream.

The activated sludge process is a biochemical process in which aerobicbacteria consume the organic pollutants in wastewater. Because thebacteria are aerobic, their efficiency of consumption is very dependentupon the amount of available oxygen dissolved in the liquid sludge. Inthe wastewater treatment process, aeration introduces air into a liquid,providing an aerobic environment for microbial degradation of organicmatter. The purpose of aeration is two-fold: to supply the requiredoxygen to the metabolizing microorganisms and to provide mixing so thatthe microorganisms come into intimate contact with the dissolved andsuspended organic matter.

Various aeration approaches have been used; the two most common aerationsystems are subsurface and mechanical. In subsurface aeration systems,air or oxygen is pumped below the surface to a diffuser or other devicesubmerged in the wastewater. Fine pore diffusion is a subsurface form ofaeration in which air is introduced in the form of very small bubblesinto the wastewater pond. One type of an oxygen diffuser for wastewatertreatment process requires constant movement of the diffuser todifferent levels and positions within the wastewater pond and performsminimal mixing of the wastewater and oxygen. In addition, un-reacted airor oxygen bubbles make their way to the surface and do not becomedissolved in the liquid. If oxygen is the source, then the oxygen thatmakes it to the surface of the wastewater pond is wasted as it vents tothe air above the pond.

Mechanical aeration and mixing systems take on various forms, such asdowndraft pumps, which force surface water to the bottom, updraft pumps,which produce a small fountain, and paddle wheels, which increase thesurface area of the water. In addition, all such devices mix wastewaterby moving large amounts of heavy water or hurling it into the airresulting in high energy consumption for these devices. Some suchdevices generate large amounts of odor and foam while agitating thewastewater and consume large amounts of electrical power resulting inhigh electricity cost for operation.

Moreover, testing of aeration of liquid in the field revealed that asliquid temperature rose the ability to dissolve oxygen into the incomingliquid was being greatly reduced. This is a chronic problem withvirtually all types of aeration devices. While it is true that water hasless capacity to hold gas or solids in suspension when warm, thesignificant drop in the efficiency of all aeration operations in thesummer months could not all be attributed to this phenomenon. It becameevident that under conditions commonly encountered in many of theapplications where aeration is required, applications such as wastewater treatment and environmental remediation, the liquid to be treatedcould contain unusually high concentrations of unwanted gasses or badgas. This condition of saturated or super saturation of carbon dioxide,methane, hydrogen sulfide is usually caused by biological loading(decaying organic matter) as well as other types of pollution such asnitrification of the liquid.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an economicalapparatus and methods for scrubbing and aeration of wastewater, sewageand industrial waste, or other liquids, such as fresh, salt and brackishwater, and more particularly, a process for efficiently adding dissolvedoxygen into such liquids within a closed receptacle or in motion in apipe while minimizing odor, foam and energy consumption.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present disclosureovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a method and apparatus forcontrolled scrubbing and aeration of a liquid medium, in generalcomprises an apparatus for treating liquid by exposing the liquid togas, the apparatus preferably includes a dome supported by a flotationdevice, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lowerhousing connected to the dome, wherein a sealed space is defined underthe dome and above the flotation liquid, one or more orifices, theorifices configured in the dome, and an aeration apparatus positionedwithin the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid,wherein the aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, atleast one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at leastone second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein thesecond disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein asurface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface ofthe second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing areatherebetween.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentdisclosure in its example form is a pressurized dome aerator device andprocess for adding dissolved oxygen into liquid, such as fresh, salt andbrackish water, wastewater, sewage and industrial wastewater in motionin a pipe or closed receptacle.

More specifically, the aerator device has two or more partiallysubmerged interleaved sets of discs operating in rotational unison alongparallel shafts driven by variable speed drives. One or more strakeswith end caps are mounted on the discs in radial fashion, extending fromthe hub to the edge of the disc. The strakes on one disc bring theliquid up to the liquid line and the strakes on the other disc bring theair down to the liquid line and in close contact with each other in amixing area just below the liquid line. This force mixes the oxygen fromthe air into the oxygen-depleted liquid, thus increasing the dissolvedoxygen content of the liquid, such as fresh, salt and brackish water,wastewater, sewage and industrial waste.

Still more specifically, an example embodiment of an apparatus andmethod for controlled scrubbing and aeration of a liquid mediumcomprises a method of mixing liquid, comprising the steps of obtainingan apparatus comprising a dome, blower, orifice in the dome, leadingdisc, trailing disc, and at least two strakes, wherein the first strakeis carried by the leading disc and the second strake is carried by thetrailing disc, extracting gas from the liquid when the leading discstrikes the liquid, and wherein the blower evacuates the extracted gasvia the orifice in the dome, trapping liquid between the discs in amixing area, forcing the gas depleted liquid up into the mixing area bythe first strake, and forcing gas within the dome down into the mixingarea by the second strake, and creating a shear force between the gasand the gas depleted liquid therein the mixing area to increase thedissolved gas in the liquid.

Still more specifically, an example embodiment of an apparatus andmethod for mixing gas and liquid comprises a pipe or closed receptaclehaving an enclosure positioned in-line with the pipe or closedreceptacle, wherein a sealed space is defined, at least one blower, theblower regulates the barometric pressure in the sealed space, whereinintermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven byvariable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs tocarry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down intoa mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygendepleted liquid. In the sealed space the barometric pressure is raisedby a blower to at or above the pressure of liquid entering the sealedspace, in order to pop foam bubbles and allow for optimum mixing of airinto the oxygen depleted liquid and to regulate the liquid line withinthe sealed space, thereby preventing the escape of foam, noise andodorous gases into the local environment.

Another example embodiment of an apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid comprising a submersible pressurized dome aeration apparatushousing multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs with a remoteumbilical power and control unit and process for adding dissolved gas(oxygen) into fluid (water).

Another example embodiment of an apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid comprising a self contained floating pressurized dome aerationapparatus housing multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs andprocess for adding dissolved gas (oxygen) into fluid (water).

Another example embodiment of the controlled aeration of liquid mediumin a pipe or closed receptacle is an apparatus for treating liquid byexposing the liquid to gas, the apparatus having: a pipe having anenclosure positioned in-line with the pipe, wherein a sealed space isdefined in the enclosure, an aeration apparatus positioned within thesealed space and partially submerged in the liquid medium flowing fromthe pipe and the enclosure, wherein the aeration apparatus comprises oneor more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially onone of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially onanother of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relativeto the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in adirection opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each otherresulting in a mixing area there between, a plurality of discs, theplurality of discs having two or more the first disc and two or more thesecond disc, at least one disc wipe positioned between the plurality ofdiscs, and at least one blower, the blower disposed in a positionenabling an effect there from on the barometric pressure in the sealedspace.

Another example embodiment of the controlled aeration of liquid mediumin a pipe or closed receptacle is an apparatus for treating liquid byexposing the liquid to gas, the apparatus having: a pipe having anenclosure positioned in-line with the pipe, wherein a sealed space isdefined in the enclosure, an aeration apparatus positioned within thesealed space and partially submerged in the liquid medium flowing fromthe pipe and the enclosure, wherein the aeration apparatus comprises oneor more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially onone of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially onanother of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relativeto the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in adirection opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each otherresulting in a mixing area there between, a nozzle positionedapproximate the enclosure to alter an angle of the liquid medium flowingfrom the pipe to the enclosure, and at least one blower, the blowerdisposed in a position enabling an effect there from on the barometricpressure in the sealed space.

Accordingly, a feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to create a shear force between the liquid on theleading edge of opposing strakes within the mixing area to efficientlymix the gas and the liquid.

In addition, the strakes have bleed holes on their trailing face. Theend caps force liquid fluid eddy currents on the liquid side andflurries of bubbles of air on the gas side through the bleed holes ofthe trailing edge of the strake into the mixing area to efficiently mixthe air and liquid, such as fresh, salt and brackish water, wastewater,sewage and industrial waste.

Accordingly, a feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to sustain a larger number of aerobic dependentbacteria than traditional methods resulting in an increased biochemicalconsumption of organic material in the liquid or wastewater pond.

In use, the aerator device is placed on a floating platform to keep theaerator device at a set position relative to the liquid line. Thefloating apparatus is covered with an airtight cover or dome, whereinthe barometric pressure is raised under the cover or dome by an airblower to create an atmosphere under the dome with an increasedbarometric pressure.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the variable barometric pressure allows for optimum atmosphericdissolution under the cover or dome.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the foam must travel back beneath the liquid-line of the liquid toescape the floating apparatus resulting in further aeration of theliquid sludge.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the liquid inlet is beneath the liquid-line creating a sealedenvironment.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the liquid discharge is beneath the liquid-line creating a sealedenvironment.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isits ability to minimize foam generated during use, wherein the raisedbarometric pressure in the dome serves the function of popping thebubbles created by the mechanical mixer.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the cover or dome traps odorous gases preventing their escape intothe local environment, resulting in an odor free operation.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the cover or dome traps the noises generated by the mechanicalagitation preventing their escape into the local environment andresulting in an essentially noise free operation.

Another feature of the apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid isthat the strakes may be configured to provide a cutting or choppingaction or edge for operation in high solid and/or high fiber, such ashair and bio solids, prevailing in primary wastewater sludge ponds.

Another feature of the in line pipe apparatus and method for mixing gasand liquid is its ability to utilize energy gathering rotors' operatingpassively with drive system disengaged if pipe current is adequate todrive the apparatus.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to operate at any depth limited only by length ofconnecting umbilical and the availability of supply pressure to overcomewater pressure at operating depth.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to utilize the efficiencies of Henry's Law anddissolves gas at depth under great pressure, where increased oxygen isretained in liquid due to the higher pressure.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to operate continuously in any weather, and is notaffected by surface conditions.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to recover from loss of power and air pressurewithout retrieval by reapplying air pressure; resulting in an air pocketunder the dome of the submerged unit.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to be retrieved from its submerged position byrouting compressed air to ballast tanks and adding buoyancy to the unit.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to hide the remote power and control unit,especially in aesthetically or environmentally sensitive areas such asdeveloped water front or wildlife habitat as well as by adding a soundattenuated housing or positioning the power unit inside a building ormechanical room.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to position the power and control unit on a bargeor other vessel, which may be used as a tender for submerged unit,retrieving, servicing or relocating both power and submerged unit asnecessary.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to utilize energy gathering rotors, provided watermovement relative to the submerged unit is sufficient for passive poweroperation.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to operate at the very bottom of a shippingchannel where the submerged unit is anchored causing no delay to passingship traffic.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to be virtually invisible to public, while beingof vital service to the environment, industry, and commerce.

Another feature of the submerged apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid is its ability to utilize energy gathering rotors' operatingpassively with drive system disengaged if current is strong or unit isbeing towed.

Still more specifically, an apparatus for treating fluid by exposing thefluid to gas, the apparatus including a dome, a lower housing supportsthe dome, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealedspace is defined under the dome and above a fluid line within the lowerhousing, an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space andpartially submerged below the fluid line, wherein the aeration apparatuscomprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first discpositioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second discpositioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc isinterleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of thefirst disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second discrelative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween; at leastone air source, the air source enabling an effect therefrom on thebarometric pressure in the sealed space, and wherein the apparatus issubmerged to depths having increased pressure below a waterline.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its portability enabling quick re-positioning in anexisting body of water and mobility from one aquatic area to another. Noinfrastructure of any kind needed to operate the apparatus other than afuel supply.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to scale to any size with currenttechnology and materials, whether as a small craft or a large barge.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to operate autonomously utilizingcurrently available technology and utilizing global positioning and thelike.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to have an operator on board to functionin complex patterns like a street sweeper.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its setup and retrieval time are reduced to minutesnot hours or days, since it is equipped with fuel and a power supply.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to operate without being tethered, poweror control cables, guides or other devices.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to be instantly deployable or air liftedin a crises situation, such as low dissolved oxygen conditions at a fishfarm, sewage spills, and algae blooms, i.e., anywhere oxygen needs to berestored quickly.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to add a cutter head to the apparatus toeradicate, remove, or harvest algae or other aquatic plant growth.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to utilize energy gathering rotors'operating passively with drive system disengaged if current is strong orunit is being towed.

Another feature of the self contained apparatus and method for mixinggas and liquid is its ability to be tethered and operate as a selfcontained stationary unit.

Another feature of the controlled aeration of liquid medium in a pipe orclosed receptacle is its ability to provide leading and trailing discwipes to maximize pull of liquid flow from the pipe into the mixing areaand to maximize liquid flow from the mixing area back into the pipe.

Another feature of the controlled aeration of liquid medium in a pipe orclosed receptacle is its ability to provide a leading liquid flowadjustable nozzle plate to direct the angle of liquid flow in adirection that aids in the rotation of the leading rotor optimizing thecapture of energy from the liquid flow, to flatten or optimize the shapeof the liquid medium, to add velocity to the liquid medium, and tooptimize the shape and direction of the liquid medium.

Another feature of the controlled aeration of liquid medium in a pipe isits ability to provide a strake having input pipe fluid force captureprinciples.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to provide vents formed in the dome or machinehousing configured to enable air and unwanted gas to exit the dome.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to provide vent tubes configured to enable air andunwanted gas to exit the dome above an external liquid line of theliquid medium.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to provide a scrubbing area configured to releaseor scrub the dissolved or suspended unwanted or waste gases in theliquid medium to make room for liquid medium to intake additional oxygenO2 in the mixing area.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to cause the release or scrubbing of dissolved orsuspended unwanted gases in liquid medium, such as carbon dioxide CO2,hydrogen H, methane CH4, hydrogen sulfide, and the like.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to provide a blower and its flow of air to sweepor carry waste gases to orifice and/or vent tube configured to vent orpurge air and unwanted gases from the interior space under dome.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to increase the efficiency of intake of gas, suchas oxygen O2 (dissolved oxygen) in liquid medium.

Another feature of the controlled ventilation and aeration of liquidmedium is its ability to provide for the constant exchange of thepressurized atmosphere inside the aerator dome by providing an array ofvents, the vents are regulated in flow capacity and strategically placedor disposed around the dome. These vents allow for the release or“purging” of waste gases that would otherwise be trapped inside theaerator, while still maintaining the desired hyperbaric (pressurized)condition under the aerator dome.

Still more specifically, an apparatus for treating fluid by exposing thefluid to gas, the apparatus including a dome, a lower housing supportsthe dome, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealedspace is defined under the dome and above a fluid line within the lowerhousing, an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space andpartially submerged below the fluid line, wherein the aeration apparatuscomprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first discpositioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second discpositioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc isinterleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of thefirst disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second discrelative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween; at leastone air source, the air source enabling an effect therefrom on thebarometric pressure in the sealed space, and wherein a flotation hullfor channeling fluid into the sealed space and for storage fuel therein.

These and other features of the apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid and extracting gas will become more apparent to one skilled inthe art from the following Brief Description of the Drawings, DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments andClaims when read in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid will bebetter understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferredand Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanyingdrawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similarstructure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of the aeration apparatusaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the aeration apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2.1/A is a front view of the aeration apparatus of FIG. 1 withventilation;

FIG. 2.2A/B is a front view and sectional cross-sectional view of theaeration apparatus of FIG. 2.1.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a strake with bleed holes according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 3.1 is an enlarged partial sectional view depicting the dynamics ofthe liquid gas scrubbing and mixing area, showing radial strakes andbleed holes according to an example embodiment of FIG. 2.2;

FIG. 4A is front sectional view of a pair of discs showing theirdirection of rotation according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a top sectional view of disc array showing two sets of discsinterleaved amongst each other according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view depicting the dynamics ofthe liquid gas mixing area, showing radial strakes and bleed holesaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a standard industrial waste water or dischargepipe;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the pipe in FIG. 6 with a section cut out ofthe pipe and a compartmental enclosure fit between the ends of the pipe;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the pipe and enclosure in FIG. 7 with anaeration device housed in the enclosure according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a tethered aeration apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a submersible aeration apparatus with a remoteumbilical power and control unit according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the submersible aeration apparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a self contained aeration apparatus with acatamaran hull according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the self contained aeration apparatus of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a cross section of the pipe or closed receptacle andenclosure in FIG. 7 with an aeration apparatus of FIG. 8 housed in theenclosure according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional of the pipe or closed receptacle andenclosure in FIG. 14 displaying the hydrodynamics including input andexit swells and dynamics of the liquid gas mixing area;

FIG. 16.1 is a partial end view of an alternate radial strake with bleedholes according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 16.2 is a partial side view of a radial strake with bleed holesaccording to another example embodiment;

FIG. 17 is front sectional view of a pair of discs having strakes shownin FIG. 16 and showing their direction of rotation and direction ofliquid flow according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a method of controlled scrubbing,ventilation, and aeration of a liquid medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments of an apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, specific terminology is employedfor the sake of clarity. The disclosure, however, is not intended to belimited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to beunderstood that each specific element includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-18, there is illustrated a floating pressurizeddome aerator device and process for adding dissolved gas, such asoxygen, into liquid, such as fresh, salt and brackish water, wastewater,sewage and industrial waste. It is important to understand that theapparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid is suitable forutilization in any liquid environment where an increase in dissolved airor gas into liquid medium is desired or beneficial; therefore, while theapparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid is described convenientlywith the example utilization in a wastewater pond, it is not limited toapplication or implementation in such wastewater pond. Furthermore, theapparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid may be utilized in watersuch as but not limited to a golf course pond, water with aquaticplants, as well as water with fish and/or other marine life, fresh, saltor brackish water, wastewater, sewage or industrial waste. The apparatusand method for mixing gas and liquid is suitable for many applicationswhere air or other gas is to be dissolved into a liquid or liquidmedium, including but not limited to golf course ponds, oxygen depletedlakes, streams, and rivers as well as environmental and/or industrialprocesses.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a fully enclosed floatingdome aerator device 10. Aerator device 10 is a mechanical gas dissolvingapparatus operating in a controlled pressurized environment. Dome 12 ispreferably supported by flotation device 14 proximate waterline 24 of apond or wastewater, sewage, industrial waste pond or other selectedliquid treatment reservoir including such as fresh, salt and brackishwater, wastewater, sewage and industrial waste. Dome 12 includes topportion 13 preferrably positioned above the surface of the pond, so asto define a space or compartmental enclosure 15 for containingmechanical agitation of aerator device 10. Dome is preferablyconstructed of an airtight and corrosion resistant material such asfiberglass or metal. It is recognized that other suitable materialscould be utilized without departing from the intended scope of thepresent invention. That is, dome 12 may be constructed of any materialcapable of holding the area defined by space or compartmental enclosure15 under the dome at a selected, preferrably increased barometricpressure.

Compartmental enclosure defined by dome 12 creates a space above thewaterline 22 that can collect foam and odor generated by aerator device10. Foam generated by aerator device 10 is thus held in close proximityto aerator device 10 and must travel back beneath waterline 24 toescape, further enhancing the transfer of gas to the liquid. Odorousgases generated by the mechanical agitation of aerator device 10 arealso trapped in dome 12 preventing their escape into the surroundingenvironment resulting in an essentially odor free operation. Inaddition, dome 12 acts as a sound barrier, trapping the noises generatedby the mechanical agitation of aerator device 10, preventing theirescape into the surrounding environment, and thereby resulting in anessentially noiseless operation.

Air source, such as blower 16, is preferably any common industrialvariable speed rotary type blower. Blower 16 can be of any standarddesign with air flow and pressure ratings capable of increasing thebarometric pressure of the air under dome 12 to preferably betweenapproximately 35-40 inches of mercury or 1-3 psi, however, greaterbarometric pressure can be utilized depending on the gas and liquidmedium being mixed. Blower 16 is preferably rotary, but can be any fan,centrifugal, rotary or any other type of blower or air source. Blower 16is preferably a single unit positioned proximate top portion 13;however, blower 16 can be in the form of a single or multiple blowersand can be located anywhere on aerator device 10 that permits air flowaccess to interior space 15 under dome 12. In the example operation,blower 16 increases the barometric pressure under dome 12 creating anideal environment for the transfer of gas to the liquid under dome 12,wherein coincidentally surface area is increased via agitation andwhirling of liquid by aerator device 10. In addition, the increase inbarometric pressure under dome 12 assists with popping the foam bubbles,effectively reducing the foam generated by aerator device 10.

Blower 16 can preferably be used for facilitating fine adjustment of theposition of the mechanical agitators of aerator device 10 relative tothe pond level 24. That is, because barometric pressure inside dome 12increases when blower 16 is in operation, this causes the liquid levelunder the dome 12 to be slightly lower than the static level of thepond.

Floatation device 14 is preferably a pontoon; however, flotation device14 can be made of any material and define any shape capable of keepingaerator device 10 afloat. Floatation device 14 is preferably attached toa submerged or floating frame 46 (not shown) for support and positioningof dome 12, lower housing 18, and other components of aerator device 10.Flotation device 14 preferably includes ballast 102 to allow foruser-controlled or controller controlled height adjustment of aeratordevice 10 in relation to waterline 24. Such ballast 102 allows theoperator or controller to adjust the position of aerator device 10relative to the static pond level, the specific gravity of the liquid,or the barometric pressure under dome 12. Flotation device 14 preferablyincludes maintenance deck 26 on top side 17 of flotation device 14,wherein maintenance deck 26 preferably extends outwardly along thecircumference of dome 12. It is recognized that flotation device 14 maybe detachable from frame 46 to reduce the width of aerator device 10 forease of transporting and flotation device 14 may be adjustable inrelation to frame 46 (up and down) and utilized to position aeratordevice 10 up and down relative to waterline 24 and flotation device 14.

Lower housing 18 preferably defines a partially submerged conduit havingclosed sides and bottom (not shown), thereby forming a submerged channelwith an open top (not shown) and opposing open sides 21 and 23. Lowerhousing 18 is preferably attached to frame system 46 (not shown). Lowerhousing 18 is preferably made of a watertight and corrosion resistantmaterial, however, lower housing 18 can be constructed of any materialcapable of directing the inflow and outflow of liquid through adesignated passageway. Open end 21, referenced as the intake 21,preferably has intake screen 20 to prevent debris, marine life, andlarge particulates from entering aerator device 10. In addition, openend 23 referenced as the discharge 23, preferably has discharge screen22 to prevent debris, marine life, and large particulates from enteringaerator device 10. Such screening enables positioning of intake 21 anddischarge 23 of lower housing preferably submerged below the liquid linethereby creating a sealed environment and minimizing the noise, foam andodor escaping from aerator device 10.

Dome 12 is preferably affixed to lower housing 18, preferably via acorrosion resistant hinge 48 and latch 50 assembly (shown in FIG. 2).Although hinge 48 and latch 50 are preferred, any appropriate affixingdevice of any standard mechanism can be utilized, including but notlimited to nut and bolt, latch, lock, catch and/or clasp as long as theconfiguration is capable of holding dome 12 in contact with lowerhousing 18.

Drive 28 is preferably a variable speed AC or DC drive, including butnot limited to any gear reduction, belt, chain, or shaft driven. Drive28 can be any standard design with horse power, variable rotationalspeed, and directional ratings capable of rotating the mechanicalagitation of aerator device 10. Drive 28 is preferably fixed to frame 46of flotation device 14. Struts or brace members (not shown) preferablyprovide a generally rigid support for frame 46 and functions as amounting plate for drive 28. Power sources capable of operating drive 28and/or aerator device 10 include but are not limited to alternatingcurrent, direct current, compressed air, hydraulic and or solar power.

Controller 30 is preferably a multichannel digital motor control andsensor data receiver enabling recording of historical data andprogrammable control for automated operation of aerator device 10.Controller 30 can be any standard drive controller that matches drive28. Controller 30 may include other features such as a blower controllerthat monitors the pressure under dome 12 and regulates blower 16 tomaintain a specified pressure under dome 12. Controller 30 may alsoinclude a scheduler to preset hourly, night and day, daily, weekly,monthly seasonal and/or other runtime schedules for aerator device 10.Controller 30 may also include inputs from environmental sensors 31,including but not limited to wastewater temperature, dissolved oxygencontent of the wastewater or other liquid, pressure inside and outsidedome 12, dept of aerator device 10, water level inside compartmentalenclosure 15, and/or air temperature inside dome 12 wherein each sensorreading is preferably collected and available from inside, outside,and/or remotely from aerator device 10, in addition a light sensor todetermine and record whether the measurement is collected during nightor day. With these inputs, controller 30 is able to maximize theefficiency of the transfer rate of gas to liquid by modifying theoperation of aerator device 10 based on essentially real-time inputsfrom environmental sensors 31, wherein energy consumption is alsominimized. Controller 30 is preferably positioned proximate top portion13; however, controller 30 can be placed anywhere on aerator device 10that is accessible by an operator from maintenance deck 26 on top side17 of flotation device 14. Controller 30 can be remotely controlled by awireless radio frequency, infrared signal, or any other suitabletransmission and receive source, thereby enabling aerator device 10 tobe programmed or operated from a remote location.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, aerator device 10 preferably has lifting eye32 suitably fixed to frame 46 of flotation device 14. Lifting eye 32,together with frame 46 of flotation device 14, preferably enablesaerator device 10 to be lifted in and out of a wastewater pond via ahoist or crane. Lifting eye 32 can be in the form of a single ormultiple lifting eye(s) and can be located anywhere on aerator device 10suitable for attachment to frame 46 of flotation device 14.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a front cross-sectionalview of floating dome aerator device 10 with preferred placement of theinternal mechanics of aerator device 10 shown. Two drives 42 and 44 arepreferred and shown for aerator device 10, a leading drive 42 and atrailing drive 44. Leading drive 42 and trailing drive 44 preferablyrotationally operate in the same direction and at the same speed;however, drives 42 and 44 are preferably capable of operating atdifferent speeds. For example, trailing drive 44 could operate at 2× thespeed of leading drive 42.

Both leading drive 42 and trailing drive 44 are preferably attached toframe 46. Frame system 46 is preferably made of a light weight andcorrosion resistant material, including but not limited to tubing,cables, and/or angled iron or aluminum, or combinations of the same orany other suitable material. Frame 46 can be constructed of any materialcapable of supporting and positioning leading drive 42, trailing drive44, dome 12, lower housing 18, flotation device 14, and the other systemcomponents of aerator device 10. Lifting eye 32 is securely affixed toframe system 46.

Vane 54 is a variable flow control device that can be mounted on intake21 or discharge 23 of lower housing 18. Vane 54 is preferably made of acorrosion resistant material. A plurality of vanes 54 preferably enablecontrol of the flow of liquid into and out of lower housing 18, therebymaximizing the transfer of gas to the liquid. The positioning ofplurality of vane 54 can preferably be set by an operator or controlledby controller 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2.1, there is illustrated a front view of floatingaerator device 10. Preferably, aerator device 10 comprises one or moreor an array or plurality of openings, vents or evacuation ports, such asorifices 27.4 configured in dome 12, and whether dampened or vented,such as by valve mechanism 27.3 configured to adjust the flow throughorifices 27.4. Orifices 27.4 are preferably positioned at locationsaround the perimeter of dome 12 and are further configured to enable airto exit or purge from dome 12 while blower 16 maintains a specifiedpressure (hyperbaric pressure condition) under dome 12. Valve mechanism27.3 may be adjustable by turning or other mechanical movement, such asrotation R configured to adjust the flow through orifices 27.4.Moreover, one or more orifices 27.4 may be positioned proximate liquidline 24 and/or interior liquid line 25 in dome 12. Furthermore, orifices27.4 may be provided with an extension conduit, duct, or spout, such asvent tube 27 configured to enable air to exit dome 12 above liquid line24. In a preferred embodiment, one or more orifices 27.4 configured withvent tube 27 may have orifices 27.4 positioned above interior liquidline 25 in dome 12. Moreover, one or more orifices 27.4 may beconfigured proximate the front or in flow I of liquid into dome 12.Referring now to FIG. 2.1A, there is illustrated a side view of venttube 27. Preferably, vent tube 27 includes a vent hole or evacuationport, such as orifice 27.4 formed in dome 12 and preferably orifice 27.4is positioned above interior liquid line 25, a conduit or duct, such asspout 27.6 is preferably positioned adjacent dome 12 and preferablyextending above liquid line 24 to opening 27.5. Vent tube 27 andorifices 27.4 are preferably configured to enable air A or other gasesto exit dome 12 while blower 16 maintains a specified pressure underdome 12. Furthermore, vent tube 27 is preferably configured to vent airA or other gases released below liquid line 24, such as from the surfaceof interior liquid line 25 in dome 12, which is preferably below liquidline 24.

It is contemplated that dome 12 may include other orifices 27.4positioned above liquid line 24 to vent or purge air from interior space15 under dome 12.

It is contemplated herein that the size and number of orifice 27.4and/or vent tube 27 may vary depending on the application of domeaerator device 10, the specified pressure of blower 16 maintained underdome 12, and/or the liquid or liquid medium aerator device 10 isoperating in or flowing in I and out 0 of dome aerator device 10.

It is contemplated herein that orifice 27.4 and/or vent tube 27 may berestricted by adjustable valves 27.3 or sized statically with an orificesized as to allow for atmosphere venting of dome 12 to be made only insufficient amounts to maintain the pressure and presence of freshatmosphere at all times and at all sections under dome 12 of aeratordevice 10.

It is recognized herein that blower 16 maintains a specified pressureunder dome 12 resulting in interior liquid line 25 preferably positionedbelow liquid line 24. Moreover, blower 16 maintains a specified pressureunder dome 12 resulting in interior liquid line 25 being preferablypositioned below orifice 27.4.

It is contemplated herein that blower 16 may require pressureequalization to maintain a specified pressure under dome 12 and thus,may require orifice 27.4 and/or vent tube 27 to be plumbed, piped orconnected to an equalization chamber to maintain a specified pressureunder dome 12.

It is contemplated herein that blower 16 is configured to providesufficient inflow of air A to maintain positive pressure under dome 12of aerator device 10.

It is contemplated herein that orifice 27.4 and/or vent tube 27 may bearranged, plumbed, piped or connected to allow for the capture of wastegas or bad gas BG for reprocessing.

Referring now to FIG. 2.2, there is illustrated a front view andsectional cross-sectional view of dome aerator device 10. Preferably,dome aerator device 10 comprises blower 16 to maintain a specifiedpressure under dome 12 resulting in interior liquid line 25 preferablypositioned below orifice 27.4. FIG. 2.2A illustrates, blower 16 ispreferably configured to maintain a specified pressure under dome 12with orifice 27.4 and/or vent tube configured to vent or purge air A orother gases from interior space 15 under dome 12 and shown exitingorifice 27.4 and/or vent tube 27 as air A or other gases BG. Preferably,dome aerator device 10 comprises blower 16 to maintain a specifiedpressure under dome 12 resulting in interior liquid line 25 preferablypositioned below orifice 27.4.

It is contemplated herein that blower 16 is configured to providesufficient inflow of air A to maintain positive pressure under dome 12of aerator device 10. As the pressure under dome 12 of aerator device 10rises, it pushes, creates pocket(s), down in liquid line 25, creating alocalized high pressure zone in liquid line 25 that matches the highpressure zone in the atmosphere under dome 12 of aerator device 10. Inthis environment, plurality of strakes 70 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) onrotating leading disc 81 preferably strike or impact interior liquidline 25 and liquid or liquid medium LM to cause a release of saturatedgasses trapped in the liquid, such as bad gas BG to release from theliquid at liquid line 25. Preferably, leading disc 81 causes the releaseof a portion or substantial portion of the trapped gases from the liquidmedium LM.

Referring now to FIG. 2.2B, there is illustrated a cross-sectional viewof an area between liquid line 24 and interior liquid line 25 offloating dome aerator device 10. Preferably, the first disc or leadingdisc 81 is partially submerged below interior liquid line 25 andpartially exposed in air A under dome 12. Preferably, a plurality ofstrakes 70 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) on rotating leading disc 81preferably strike or impact interior liquid line 25 of liquid medium inscrubbing area 101 as liquid medium LM enters dome 12 to cause therelease, extraction, or scrubbing (decreasing the dissolved gas in theliquid medium) of dissolved, held, or suspended—unwanted or waste gases,such as bad gases BG in liquid medium, for example carbon dioxide CO2,hydrogen H, hydrogen sulfide, methane CH4 and the like (extracted gasfrom liquid medium) into dome 12. Upon the release of bad gases BGblower 16 and its flow of air A sweeps or carries bad gases BG acrossinterior liquid line 25 to orifice 27.4 and/or vent tube 27 configuredto vent, extract, or purge air A and bad gases BG from interior space 15under dome 12 while maintaining a specified pressure under dome 12.

Moreover, liquid medium LM, overladened with bad gas BG, has beenscrubbed or purged of a portion or substantial portion of bad gas BG andis in a prepared condition to accept, introduce, or intake oxygen or airA in mixing area 100 (shown in FIG. 5). Such step, shown herein FIG.2.2, increases the efficiency of the liquid medium to accept, introduce,or intake of oxygen or air A in mixing area 100 by making spaceavailable in liquid medium LM for intake of oxygen or air A. Stillfurther when blower 16 pressurizes dome 12 and blower 16 evacuates suchbad gas BG and air A through orifice 27.4 out of dome 12, liquid mediumLM and interior liquid line 25 are preferably exposed to air A withoutany pockets of bad gas BG.

It is further recognized that bad gases BG are brought into dome 12aerator device 10 trapped in the incoming liquid or liquid medium LM.

It is contemplated herein that blower 16 is preferably capable ofproviding sufficient air flow and pressure to maintain positive pressureunder dome 12 for the purposes set forth herein, to maintain interiorliquid line 25, and to sweep or carry bad gases BG across interiorliquid line 25 to orifice 27.4 and/or vent tube 27. In all cases, thedesired elevated pressure under dome 12, the hyperbaric chamber, ismaintained by regulating the size of orifice 27.4, vent tube 27, and/or,adjusting the volume of incoming fresh atmosphere or air A provided byblower 16.

It is recognized herein that the release or scrubbing of the releaseddissolved or suspended bad gases BG in scrubbing area 101 enables and/ormakes room for liquid medium to intake additional gas, such as oxygen O2(dissolved oxygen) in mixing area 100 (shown in FIG. 5); thus,increasing the efficiency of dissolving wanted gas, such as oxygen intoliquid medium LM, ie., into the vacated space of released, degassed, orscrubbed bad gases BG, which were released from liquid medium LM inscrubbing area 101.

It is recognized herein that the release or scrubbing of dissolved orsuspended bad gases BG in scrubbing area 101 enables and/or makes roomfor warm (greater than 70 degrees Fahrenheit) liquid medium LM to intakeadditional oxygen O2 (dissolved oxygen) in mixing area 100 (shown inFIG. 5); thus, increasing the efficiency of dissolving oxygen into warmliquid medium, ie., into the vacated space from released or scrubbed badgases BG, which were released from warm liquid medium LM in scrubbingarea 101. It is further recognized herein that scrubbing area 101enables and/or makes room for warm liquid medium to intake oxygen(dissolved oxygen) in mixing area 100 (shown in FIG. 5); and thus,without the released or scrubbed bad gases BG being released inscrubbing area 101, mixing area 100 is less efficient or possibly unableto add oxygen O2 (dissolved oxygen) in mixing area 100 to liquid mediumLM.

It is contemplated herein that bad gases BG in liquid medium, such ascarbon dioxide CO2, hydrogen H, hydrogen sulfide, methane CH4 or thelike may be recycled, captured, and/or reclaimed from orifice 27.4and/or vent tube 27 configured to vent or purge bad gases BG frominterior space 15 under dome 12 by a pipe systems, header or manifoldconnected to vent tube 27 to capture of waste gas or bad gas BG forreprocessing.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a front view of a preferred disc 60 is shown.Disc 60 is preferably a thin flat disc made of corrosion resistantmaterial. Disc 60 can be constructed of any material, configurationand/or dimension capable of being rotated through the sludge of liquid,such as fresh, salt and brackish water, wastewater, sewage andindustrial waste. Possible shapes and configurations include, withoutlimitation, a star, square, hexagon, octagon, and any otherconfigurations capable of defining a mixing area and a shear force zonewithin a liquid medium. Disc 60 preferably has keyed hub 62 at itscenter for affixing disc 60 to shaft 45 (shown in FIG. 4B). Althoughkeyed hub 62 is preferred, any suitable affixing device could beutilized of any standard design configured to attach disc 60 to a shaft45. The preferred keyed hub 62 allows for disc spacing and adjustment onshaft 45, thereby maintaining proper spacing.

Referring now to FIG. 3, 3.1, a perspective view of preferred strake 70of the aeration apparatus is shown. Strake 70 is preferably made of awatertight and corrosion resistant material; however, strake 70 can beconstructed of any material capable of carrying liquid and/or gas.Strake 70 preferably has quarter circle, u-shaped or generallytriangular shaped end cap 72, open leading face 74, trailing face 75 andmounting face 76, wherein faces 74, 75, 76 preferably extend lengthwisealong strake 70 forming peripheral edges of a channel for strake 70 tocarry liquid and/or gas. Additionally, strake 70 preferably has aplurality of bleed holes 78 defined through trailing face 75.

Strake 70 can be varied in size, shape, angle, and bleed hole placementto maximize aerator device 10 dissolved gas transfer rate in any liquidmedium. For example, a smaller strake moving at a higher speed may bemore effective on wastewater with high solids content, whereas a largestrake at lower speeds may be more effective on wastewater with smallersolids and also may be less disturbing to marine life. Furthermore,strake 70 can be varied in size, shape, angle, and bleed hole placementto account for the centrifugal force on the liquid. A plurality ofstrakes 70 are preferably secured to both sides of disc 60 in a radialconfiguration with each open face 74 oriented in same direction. Eachstrake 70 is arranged in a radial configuration beginning at the centerof disc 60 and extending outward to the outer circumference edge orperipheral edge of disc 60, wherein flat face 76 of strake 70 ispreferably affixed to disc 60, preferably via corrosion resistant boltand nut (not shown). Although corrosion resistant bolt and nut arepreferred, the affixing device can of any standard mechanism, and may beselected dependent on the material used for disc 60 and strake 70,including but not limited to welding, adhesive, or epoxy. Theillustration shown in FIG. 3 is not a specification or limitation on thenumber of strakes 70 affixed to disc 60.

Referring now to FIG. 3.1, a perspective view of preferred strakes 70 ofthe aeration apparatus is shown. Preferably, a plurality of strakes 70on rotating leading disc 81 preferably strike or impact interior liquidline 25 of liquid medium LM in scrubbing area 101 to cause the releaseof bad gases BG (extracted gas) from liquid medium LM. Upon the releaseor extraction of bad gases BG from liquid medium LM air A sweeps orcarries bad gases BG across interior liquid line 25 to orifice 27.4and/or vent tube 27 configured to vent air A and bad gases BG frominterior space 15 under dome 12; thus, scrubbing bad gases BG fromliquid medium.

It is contemplated herein that scrubbing area 101 extracts or removesbad gas BG from liquid or liquid medium LM and dome aerator device 10presents gas depleted liquid or liquid medium LM to mixing area 100(shown in FIG. 4) for injection of good or desired gas, such as oxygen,ozone, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a front sectional view of a pair of preferreddiscs 60 of the aeration apparatus is shown, depicting the preferredarrangement, area of overlap, and direction of rotation. Leading disc 81and trailing disc 92 are preferably arranged so they overlap to formaeration apparatus under pressurized dome 12, as discussed below. Bothdisc assemblies are preferably partially submerged in a liquid medium,preferably at a depth of at least 40% of their diameter; however, bothdisc assemblies can be submerged in a liquid medium LM to any depth,wherein at least part of the disc assemblies are exposed to theatmosphere under dome 12. Mixing area 100 is created below liquid line24 and interior liquid line 25 between where the leading disc 81 andtrailing disc 92 overlap as also depicted in FIG. 5. The plurality ofstrakes 70 on leading disc 81 capture liquid from the wastewater pondand carry it up into mixing area 100. Plurality of strakes 70 ontrailing disc 92 preferably capture air underneath dome 12 and carry itdown into mixing area 100.

As depicted in FIG. 4A, when strake 70 is rotated up out of the liquid,it carries liquid up and out of the wastewater pond. This carried liquidescapes through bleed holes 78, thereby creating additional liquidsurface area which comes into contact with air, thereby resulting in anadditional transfer of gas to the liquid. When strake 70 is rotated downinto the liquid, it carries air down into the wastewater pond. The airescapes through a plurality bleed holes 78, thereby creating additionalsubmerged air which comes into contact with liquid, resulting inadditional transfer of gas to the liquid.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a top sectional view of two sets of pluralityof discs 60 of the aeration apparatus intermeshed amongst each other areshown. Leading drive 42 is connected to leading shaft 43 and one or moredisc 60 (shown as leading disc assemblies 81, 83, 85, and 87) arepreferably affixed to leading shaft 43. Trailing drive 44 is connectedto trailing shaft 45 and one or more disc 60 (shown as trailing discassemblies 92, 94, 96, 98, and 99) are preferably affixed to trailingshaft 45. The illustration shown in FIG. 4B is not a specification orlimitation on the number of discs 60 in either array of discs or thenumber of shafts or the number of drives. These variable parameters aredetermined by the dissolved gas requirements and other applicationrequirements of the liquid being treated. The leading and trailing discassemblies are placed in parallel, with their properly spaced discsplaced in an overlapping, interlaced relation. Spacing between the discs60 is preferably accomplished using keyed hub 62; however, spacers (notshown) can be used. Preferably, the overlap between leading and trailingdisc assemblies is 45% of the diameter of disc 60; however, the amountof overlap between the two sets of discs may be adjusted by varying theparallel spacing of leading shaft 43 and trailing shaft 45 provided thedistance is less than the disc 70 radius.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an enlarged partial sectional view of theaeration apparatus of aerator device 10 is shown, to facilitateexplanation of the dynamics of mixing area 100. Strakes 70 on leadingdisc 81 captures liquid from the wastewater pond and carries it up intothe mixing area 100. Strakes 70 on trailing disc 92 captures air fromunderneath dome 12 and carries it down into mixing area 100, in additionto pushing liquid down into mixing area 100. Discs 81 and 92 and theirtwo strakes 70 moving in unison together create shear force F betweenthe upward and downward moving liquid within the mixing area, resultingin shear (shearing) force F that drives air into the oxygen depletedwastewater. Shearing force F occurs in oxygen rich mixing area 100resulting in an increased transfer of oxygen into the liquid, such asfresh, salt and brackish water, wastewater, sewage and industrial waste.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an enlarged partial sectional view of theaeration apparatus of aerator device is shown, to facilitate furtherexplanation of additional dynamics of liquid gas mixing area 100.Strakes on the leading disc 81 captures liquid from the wastewater pondand carries it up into mixing area 100. Plurality of bleed holes 78 intrailing face 75 of strake 70 on leading disc 81 will leak liquid intomixing area 100 as fluid eddies. Strake 70 on the trailing disc 92captures air from underneath dome 12 and carries it down into mixingarea 100. Plurality of bleed holes 78 in trailing face 75 of the strakeson trailing disc 90 leak flurries of air bubbles into mixing area 100.The flurry of air bubbles and fluid eddies combine in mixing area 100,thereby creating an increased transfer of oxygen into the liquid, suchas fresh, salt and brackish water, wastewater, sewage and industrialwaste.

It is contemplated in an example embodiment that strakes 70 of aeratordevice 10 could be configured to provide a cutting or chopping actionfor operation in high solid and/or high fiber, such as hair, bio solids,plant, and the like, prevailing in primary wastewater sludge ponds. Morespecifically, strakes 70 could be configured having an I-beam end viewwith discs 81 or 92 running perpendicular through the center (‘--I--’)of the I-beam. The edges of the I-beam configuration may comprisesections having raised or sharpened edges to cut through the high solidand/or high fiber, such as hair, bio solids, plants, and the like.

The disc assemblies can be set in motion rotating in unison, or, theindividual drive speeds can be utilized, thereby allowing foressentially infinite combinations of liquid and air, shearing forces,liquid eddies, and/or flurries of bubbles, thus allowing for optimumtransfer of gas, such as oxygen into the liquid, such as fresh, salt andbrackish water, wastewater, sewage or industrial waste.

It is contemplated in an example embodiment that aerator device 10 issuitable for utilization and adaptable without flotation device 14 foruse in a pipe, such as a discharge pipe. Furthermore, it is contemplatedin an example embodiment that aerator device 10 is adaptable withoutlower housing 18 for use in a pipe, such as a discharge pipe. Aeratordevice 10 is preferably mechanically affixed and positioned inside thepipe. Preferably, the flow rate of the liquid in the pipe is adjusted tomaintain the liquid level where both disc assemblies are preferablypartially submerged in a liquid medium, preferably at a depth of atleast 40% of their diameter; however, both disc assemblies can besubmerged in a liquid medium to any depth, wherein at least part of thedisc assemblies are exposed to the atmosphere under dome 12.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a standard industrial waste water or dischargepipe 50 is shown. Referring now to FIG. 7, wherein discharge pipe 50 isshown with section 50A removed from discharge pipe 50 and replaced withsealed enclosure 112. Preferably, enclosure 112 is inserted into thespace where section 50A was removed so as to define a space orcompartment 115 for containing mechanical agitation of aerator device100.1. Enclosure 112 preferably is welded W to discharge pipe's 50adapter ends 152, which remained after cutting or removing section 50Afrom pipe 50. It is contemplated that enclosure 112 is preferablyconstructed of an airtight and corrosion resistant material such asfiberglass, metal or the like. That is, enclosure 112 may be constructedof any material capable of holding the area defined by space orcompartmental enclosure 115 sealed at a selected, preferably increasedbarometric pressure. It is recognized that other suitable materialscould be utilized without an apparatus and method for mixing gas andliquid. Moreover, enclosure 112 may be affixed to discharge pipe's 50adapter ends 152 utilizing epoxy, nuts and bolts compressing a seal orsealant or other means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.Enclosure 112 is further divided into upper section 113 of compartment115, which creates a space above waterline 124 and lower section 114 ofcompartment 115, which creates a space below waterline 124 that containsthe liquid medium flowing through discharge pipe 50 and enclosure 112.Similar to FIG. 1, upper section 113 of compartment 115 creates a spaceabove waterline 124 that can collect foam and odor generated by aeratordevice 100.1. Foam generated by aerator device 100.1 is thus held inclose proximity to aerator device 100.1 and must travel back beneathwaterline 124 to escape upper section 113 of compartment 115, furtherenhancing the transfer of gas to the liquid. Odorous gases generated bythe mechanical agitation of aerator device 100.1 are also trapped inupper section 113 of compartment 115 preventing their escape into thesurrounding environment resulting in an essentially odor free operation.In addition, upper section 113 of compartment 115 acts as a soundbarrier, trapping the noises generated by the mechanical agitation ofaerator device 100.1, preventing their escape into the surroundingenvironment, and thereby resulting in an essentially noiselessoperation.

Referring now to FIG. 8 is illustrated an example embodiment of a fullyenclosed in-line pipe aerator device 100.1. Aerator device 100.1 is amechanical gas dissolving apparatus operating in a controlledpressurized environment of a discharge pipe 50. In-line pipe aeratordevice 100.1 operates similar to aerator device 10 of FIGS. 1-5;however, in-line pipe aerator device 100.1 does not include dome 12,flotation device 14, and lower housing 18. As in FIGS. 1-5 in-line pipeaerator device 100.1 includes discs 160 each having strakes 70 as shownin FIGS. 3-5, and 16-17 operating as described in FIGS. 1-5 abovefunctioning to transfer gas to liquid, especially for increasing theconcentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid medium of pipe 50.

Blower 116 is preferably any common industrial variable speed rotarytype blower or compressor air source similar to blower 16 of FIG. 1.Blower 116 can be of any standard design with air flow and pressureratings capable of increasing the barometric pressure of the air incompartment 115 to preferably between approximately 35-40 inches ofmercury or 1-3 psi, however, greater barometric pressure can be utilizeddepending on the gas and liquid medium being mixed. Blower 116 ispreferably a single unit with feedback regulator to monitor the pressurein upper section 113 of compartment 115 and is preferably positionedproximate upper section 117 of enclosure 112; however, blower 116 can bein the form of a single or multiple blowers and can be located anywhereon in-line pipe aerator device 100.1 that permits air flow access tointerior compartment 115 of enclosure 112. In addition, blower 116 maybe remotely positioned relative to compartment 115 of enclosure 112 andpressurized air from blower 116 may be piped or tubed from blower 116 tocompartment 115 of enclosure 112. In an example operation, blower 116increases the barometric pressure in compartment 115 of enclosure 112creating an ideal environment for the transfer of gas to the liquid incompartment 115 of enclosure 112, wherein coincidentally, surface areais increased via agitation and whirling of liquid by aerator device100.1. In addition, the increase in barometric pressure in compartment115 of enclosure 112 assists with popping the foam bubbles, effectivelyreducing the foam generated by aerator device 100.1.

Blower 116 can preferably be used for facilitating fine adjustment ofwaterline 124 in compartment 115 of enclosure 112 by increasing ordecreasing the barometric pressure of the air in compartment 115, thusmaintaining the waterline 124 at a predetermined position relative todiscs 160. By increasing the air pressure in compartment 115 ofenclosure 112, blower 116 causes waterline 124 to lower forcing theliquid medium out of enclosure 115 and into pipe 50. In contrast, byreducing the air pressure in compartment 115 of enclosure 112 blower 116causes waterline 124 to rise allowing the liquid medium to enterenclosure 112 from pipe 50. Moreover, blower 116 with feedback fromsensor 119 allows for user-controlled or controller controlled heightadjustment of waterline 124 in compartment 115 of enclosure 112 inrelation to discs 160 optimizing dissolve gas in the liquid medium ofpipe 50.

Sensor 119 preferably represents one or more sensors, including but notlimited to sensors to detect water level, gas pressure, the amount ofdissolved gas in the liquid medium, and humidity inside compartment 115of enclosure 112 and to provide a representative signal of suchinformation for feed back to a controller, user, or directly to blower116. Various means of sensing and types of sensors to detect liquidlevel, gas pressure, the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid medium,and humidity are known to one of ordinary skill in the art and arecontemplated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrates an example embodiment of a tetheredaeration apparatus 200 of FIG. 1. Anchor device 210 is permanentlyaffixed to river or tidal bed 224 and extends above waterline 222 toprovide stationary anchor support for tethered aeration apparatus 200.It is contemplated herein that anchor device 210 may be any devicecapable of securing tethered aeration apparatus 200 in a moving liquidmedium such as river flow, tidal movements and the like, including butnot limited to buoys. Swivel attachment 226 provides an anchor point forone end 227 of cable 228 to affix to anchor device 210 and the other end229 of cable 228 is affixed to eye 132 anchoring tethered aerationapparatus 200 relative to anchor device 210, thus pulling tetheredaeration apparatus 200 through liquid medium shown travelling in thedirection of arrows 251. As river current shift or tidal waters alterdirection tethered aeration apparatus 200 preferably shifts positionsdown stream from anchor device 210 continuing to scoop flowing liquidmedium into open end 21, referenced as the intake 21 shown in FIG. 1.

Tethered aeration apparatus 200 operates similar to aerator device 10 ofFIGS. 1-5. As in FIGS. 1-5 tethered aeration apparatus 200 includesdiscs 160 each having strakes 70 as shown in FIGS. 3-5 operating asdescribed in FIGS. 1-5 above functioning to transfer gas to liquid,especially for increasing the concentration of dissolve oxygen in theliquid medium.

It is contemplated herein that tethered aeration apparatus 200 may bemoved or tugged (tug boat) to different locations and re-anchoreddepending on river flow, tidal conditions and/or gas to liquid transferrequirements, especially to achieve dissolve oxygen levels in the liquidmedium of interest.

Regenerative or recumbent generator 240 is shown in this embodiment ofthe tethered aeration apparatus 200, but may be utilized in the in-linepipe aerator device 100.1, floating dome aerator device 10, mechanicalagitation of aerator device 100.1, tethered aeration apparatus 200,submersible aeration apparatus 300 as well. Recumbent generator 240comprises direct current (DC) motor generator drives 28. Preferably,liquid medium flows past leading disc 181 forcing leading disc 181 toturn in the direction of liquid medium shown travelling in the directionof arrows 251 (FIG. 9) or arrow 51 (FIG. 8). Likewise, liquid mediumflows past trailing disc 192 forcing trailing disc 192 to turn in thedirection of liquid medium shown travelling in the direction of arrows251 (FIG. 9) or arrow (FIG. 8). Preferably recumbent generator 240generates power from one or both leading disc 181 and/or trailing disc192 rotations and utilizes the electric power generated by recumbentgenerator 240 to compensate for any lag occurring in either leading disc181 and/or trailing disc 192 by powering drive 28 with electric powergenerated by recumbent generator 240, thus enabling synchronized orun-synchronized rotation of discs 60.

Land based power may be supplied to tethered aeration apparatus 200along cable 228 or locally generated power may be generated by energydevice 250. Energy generation device 250 may include, but is not limitedto solar, wind, static electricity, photovoltaic, electric generatorand/or storage batteries.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an example embodiment ofa side view of submersible aeration apparatus 300 (with dashed linesillustrating multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60 asshown in FIG. 4A) with remote umbilical power and control unit 355.Submersible aeration apparatus 300 functions and operates similar toaerator device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 having similar elements such as dome12, waterline 24, top portion 13, space or compartmental enclosure 15,frame 46, lower housing 18, opposing open sides 21 and 23, intake screen20, discharge screen 22, vane 54, leading disc 81, trailing disc 92,mixing area 100, controller 30, environmental sensors 31, ballast 102enabling a multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60operating under a submerged pressurized dome 12. It should be recognizedthat ‘similar elements’ for submersible aeration apparatus 300 mayrequire additional strength, rigidity, durability and the like tooperate when submersible aeration apparatus 300 is positioned at varioussubmerged depths.

Preferably, submersible aeration apparatus 300 further comprises remotepower and controller unit 355 a combination power supply 355A andcontroller 30. Remote power supply 355A is preferably any aircompressor, whether positive displacement or dynamic, for compressingair (or other gases) capable of increasing the pressure of air byreducing its volume; thus, transporting the compressed air thruumbilical line 351 to submersible aeration apparatus 300. It iscontemplated herein power supply 355A includes, but is not limited to,alternating current, direct current, compressed air, hydraulic and/orsolar power capable of powering drive 28, reversible air motors 328,and/or submersible aeration apparatus 300. Umbilical line 351 ispreferably any length tubing and/or wiring capable of transporting powerand/or sensor/control data between remote power and control unit 355 andsubmersible aeration apparatus 300. It is recognized that having theability to place remote power and control unit 355 remotely fromsubmersible aeration apparatus 300 or aerator device 10 enables quiet,almost invisible, and self contained power and control at anenvironmentally safe distance from marine habitat.

Preferably, hub 352 receives compressed air from remote air source,power supply 355A via umbilical line 351 and regulates and distributescompressed air to enclosure 15, ballast 102, and reversible air motors328. Hub 352, one or more switchable valves, is controlled by controller(includes electronics area, onboard computer, monitors, processor,storage, communications, data acquisition and transmission) and directsthe necessary quantity of compressed air to reversible air motors 328via pipe or tubing 353 to maintain the rotational drive velocity anddirection of reversible air motors 328. Moreover, hub 352 selects therotational direction of reversible air motors 328 enabling reverserotation of reversible air motors 328. Alternatively, controller 30 mayselect the direction whether forward, reverse, and/or speed of eachreversible air motors 328 by utilizing a switchable valve local toreversible air motors 328. By adjusting the speed of one reversible airmotors 328 in relation to any other reversible air motors 328,controller 30 can be utilized to steer submersible aeration apparatus300. Moreover, reverse direction of reversible air motors 328 allows forself cleaning of bleed holes 78, intake screen 20, as well as flushingout any sediment collecting in lower housing 18. In addition, hub 352comprises one or more switchable valves, which directs an appropriatequantity of compressed air to enclosure 15 under dome 12; thusevacuating water from enclosure 15 similar to a divers bell.

Furthermore, hub 352 regulates and distributes compressed air toenclosure 15 via pipe or tubing 354 to evacuate the water from enclosure15 under dome 12. Hub 352 regulates the level of fluid line 24A (fluidline, liquid line, and water line refers to the fluid line inside dome12, which may be the same as the body of fluid surface line unlessapparatus is submerged) within enclosure 15 under dome 12, like a divingbell. Thus, maintaining optimal operation of multi-shaft intermeshedplurality of mixing discs 60 operating above and beneath fluid line 24Aunder a submerged pressurized dome 12 at any depth. Preferably, hub 352comprises one or more switchable valves, which directs an appropriatequantity of compressed air to regulate the level of fluid line 24Awithin enclosure 15.

Henry's law states that at a constant temperature, the amount of a givengas dissolved in a given type and volume of liquid is directlyproportional to the partial pressure of that gas in equilibrium withthat liquid. i.e., the amount of air dissolved in a fluid isproportional with the pressure. Expressed as a ratio: c=k_(h)*p_(g)where c is the solubility of dissolved gas, where k_(h) is theproportionality constant depending on the nature of the gas and thesolvent, and where p_(g) is the partial pressure of the gas. Therefore,with an increase in the partial pressure of the gas under dome 12 anincrease in the solubility of the dissolved gas (oxygen) into the fluid(water) occurs within submersible aeration apparatus 300. As submersibleaeration apparatus 300 descends the pressure under dome 12 increasesresulting in an increased efficiency in dissolving gas (oxygen) into thefluid (water). For example, operating aerator device 10 or tetheredaeration apparatus 200 on the surface of water line 24 may result in5-15 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved gas (oxygen) into the fluid(water). Utilizing Henry's law and submerging submersible aerationapparatus 300 to depths having 10, 15, 20 or more atmospheres ofpressure results in 30-50 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved gas(oxygen) into the fluid (water). Henry's law results in a directcorrelation between pressure and suspendability of dissolved gas(oxygen) into the fluid (water). Therefore, the higher the pressureunder dome 12 whether via submersing apparatus 300 to depth orincreasing the pressure via blower 16 for device 10, device 100.1, andapparatus 200 a resulting increase in the rate of dissolved gas (oxygen)into the fluid (water) occurs for such device 10, device 100.1,apparatus 200, and apparatus 300.

Dissolved oxygen moves into and out of water by diffusion. The rate ofdiffusion depends on the difference in oxygen partial pressure betweenthe liquid and gas phases—the greater the difference, the greaterdriving force moving oxygen from one phase to the other. Standardaeration efficiency (SAE) is the standard oxygen transfer rate dividedby the power requirement in horsepower (hp). Units arepounds-O₂/hp-hour.

Moreover, submersible aeration apparatus 300 pulls water into opposingopen side 23 through intake screen 20, into leading disc 81, which pullsgas depleted fluid into mixing area 100, and trailing disc 92 pushes airinto mixing area 100, and thereafter trailing disc 92 pushes gas richfluid through discharge screen 22 and out opposing open side 21.Preferably, intake screen 20 and discharge screen 22 prevent debris andmarine life from entering submersible aeration apparatus 300.

While under additional pressure due to the depth of submersible aerationapparatus 300, strakes 70 on leading disc 81 captures liquid from thewastewater pond and carries it up into the mixing area 100. Strakes 70on trailing disc 92 captures air from underneath dome 12 and carries itdown into mixing area 100, in addition to pushing liquid down intomixing area 100. Discs 81 and 92 and their two strakes 70 moving inunison together create shear force F between the upward and downwardmoving liquid within the mixing area, resulting in shear force F thatdrives air into the oxygen depleted wastewater. Shearing force F occursin oxygen rich mixing area 100 under pressure resulting in an increasedtransfer of oxygen into the liquid via Henry's Law.

Preferably, adjustable vanes 54 on opposing open sides 21 and 23 vectorthe water intake and discharge to assist in stabilizing submersibleaeration apparatus 300 during operation. Furthermore, submersibleaeration apparatus 300 comprises setting legs 357 of any length disposedon the underside of submersible aeration apparatus 300 or affixed toballast 102. Preferably, legs 357 maintain submersible aerationapparatus 300 a determined distance above the bottom B of the body ofwater reducing sediment intake into screen 20, sediment erosion, marinelife disruption and the like. It is recognized that legs 357 may be ofany shape or configuration and include a foot or other broad surfacearea to prevent settling of submersible aeration apparatus 300 into thebottom B.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an example embodiment ofa top view of submersible aeration apparatus 300 illustratingmulti-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60 as shown in FIG. 4Bwith dome removed. Again, submersible aeration apparatus 300 functionsand operates similar to aerator device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 havingsimilar elements such as frame 46, opposing open sides 21 and 23, intakescreen 20, discharge screen 22, leading disc 81, trailing disc 92,ballast 102, leading shaft 43, trailing shaft 45, enabling a multi-shaftintermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60 operating under a submergedpressurized dome 12 (not shown). It should be recognized that ‘similarelements’ for submersible aeration apparatus 300 may require additionalstrength, rigidity, durability and the like to operate when submersibleaeration apparatus 300 is positioned at various submerged depths.Preferably, submersible aeration apparatus 300 further comprisesreversible air motors 328, umbilical line 351, hub 352, pipe or tubing353.

Leading drive 42 (shown as reversible air motors 328) is connected toleading shaft 43 and one or more disc 60 (shown as leading discassemblies 81 and the like) are preferably affixed to leading shaft 43.Trailing drive 44 (shown as reversible air motors 328) is connected totrailing shaft 45 and one or more disc 60 (shown as trailing discassemblies 92 and the like) are preferably affixed to trailing shaft 45.The leading and trailing disc assemblies are placed in parallel, withtheir properly spaced discs placed in an overlapping, interlacedrelation for dissolving gas into a fluid under waterline 24, andpreferably at depth under increased pressure.

Ballast 102 may preferably be used to retrieve or position submersibleaeration apparatus 300, or for height/depth adjustment and position ofsubmersible aeration apparatus 300 in relation to bottom B or waterline24 by increasing/decreasing the quantity of air in ballast 102. To raisesubmersible aeration apparatus 300, controller 355, hub 352, and pipe ortubing 356 preferably enable air from remote power supply 355A viaumbilical line 351 to enter ballast 102, thus, making submersibleaeration apparatus 300 buoyant. To lower submersible aeration apparatus300, controller 355, hub 352, and pipe or tubing 356 preferably enableair from ballast 102 to evacuate ballast 102, thus, making submersibleaeration apparatus 300 less buoyant. It is recognized that submersibleaeration apparatus 300 may be tethered as shown in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated an example embodiment ofa side view of self contained aeration apparatus 400 (with dashed linesillustrating multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60 asshown in FIG. 4A) with a catamaran hull 452. Self contained aerationapparatus 400 functions and operates similar to aerator device 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 and submersible aeration apparatus 300 of FIGS. 10 and 11having similar elements such as dome 12, waterline 24, top portion 13,space or compartmental enclosure 15, frame 46, lower housing 18, blower16, opposing open sides 21 and 23, intake screen 20, leading disc 81,trailing disc 92, mixing area 100, controller 30, environmental sensors31, eye 32 (utilized for lifting, air lifting, towing, tethering and thelike), frame 46 enabling a multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixingdiscs 60 operating under pressurized dome 12.

Preferably, self contained aeration apparatus 400 further comprises hull452 a combination boat hull or flotation hull and fuel cell or fueltank. Hull 452 is preferably a catamaran style boat hull with flotationdevices 452 A&B configured on each side of multi-shaft intermeshedplurality of mixing discs 60. Hull 452 creates buoyancy for selfcontained aeration apparatus 400. It is recognized that hull 452 of selfcontained aeration apparatus 400 may be any flotation hull configurationcapable of floating multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60and enabling liquid to enter and exit mixing area 100 within lowerhousing 18.

Furthermore, hull 452 is utilized as a storage tank or fuel tank 454 tostore fuel for operation of power plant 455 (whether mechanical,hydraulic, electrical, compressed air or the like) of self containedaeration apparatus 400, including power requirements for leading drive42, trailing drive 44 (drives may be mechanical, hydraulic, electricalcompressed air or the like), controller 30, blower 16, and environmentalsensors 31.

Preferably, self contained aeration apparatus 400 comprises steeringcontrol 456 and rudders 453. Steering control 456 and rudders 453 areutilized to direct discharged fluid from leading disc 81 and trailingdisc 92 exiting lower housing 18 at open side 21 to steer hull 452 ofself contained aeration apparatus 400. Rudders 453 extend belowwaterline 24 at open side 21 of hull 452 and function to steer hull 452of self contained aeration apparatus 400 when vectored discharge fromleading disc 81 and trailing disc 92 discharges across rudders 453 fordirectional control of self contained aeration apparatus 400. It isrecognized that leading disc 81 and trailing disc 92 may be used topropel hull 452 of self contained aeration apparatus 400 under thecontrol of steering control 456 and rudders 453 eliminating cable andpower tethers required for tethered aeration apparatus 200.Alternatively, self contained aeration apparatus 400 may be tethered ateye 32 proximate the front of hull 452 and operated as a stationary selfcontained aeration apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated an example embodiment ofa top view of self contained aeration apparatus 400 illustratingmulti-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60 as shown in FIG. 4Bwith dome removed. Again, submersible aeration apparatus 300 functionsand operates similar to aerator device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 havingsimilar elements such as frame 46, eye 32, opposing open sides 21 and23, intake screen 20, leading disc 81, trailing disc 92, mixing area100, ballast 102, power plant 455, leading shaft 43, trailing shaft 45,drives 28, steering control 456, rudders 453, fuel tank 454, controller30 (includes electronics area, onboard computer, monitors, processor,storage, communications, data acquisition and transmission) enabling amulti-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs 60 operating under apressurized dome 12 (not shown). Moreover, a cutter head may bepositioned proximate open side 23 to eradicate, remove, or harvest duckweed, algae or other aquatic plant growth. Still further, self containedaeration apparatus 400 may comprise operator station 458, control panel459, and seating 460 for manual operation and control of self containedaeration apparatus 400 or self contained aeration apparatus 400 mayoperate autonomously utilizing positioning system or pre-programmedcontrol.

Preferably, self contained aeration apparatus 400 further comprisestransmission 457, a gear system for transmitting mechanical power fromor drives 28 to leading shaft 43, trailing shaft 45. Furthermore,transmission 457 comprises shaft de-coupler 462 enabling decoupling oftransmission 457 from power plant 455. Alternatively, de-coupler 462 maycouple transmission 457 to recumbent generator 240 for gathering energywhen towing self contained aeration apparatus 400 through the water orby tethering self contained aeration apparatus 400 while tidal currentor river flow rotates leading disc 81 and the energy gathered fromleading disc 81 is transferred to trailing disc 92 via recumbentgenerator 240.

Furthermore, rotor baffles 463 positioned proximate opposing open sides21 and 23, more specifically extending between leading discs 81 on opensides 23 and between trailing disc 92 on open side 21 for reducing washor splash into self contained aeration apparatus 400 when in motion ortethered in heavy wave conditions.

Moreover, self contained aeration apparatus 400 further comprises hull452A and 452B a catamaran style boat hull with flotation devices 452Aand 452B configured on each side of multi-shaft intermeshed plurality ofmixing discs 60 to create a center tunnel starting with open side 23,intake screen 20, lower housing 18 (shown in FIG. 12), and open side 21.

It is recognized that self contained aeration apparatus 400 may compriseinstantiated units operating in combination like a floating dissolvedgas (oxygen) into the fluid (water) barge. Such barge may be towed orpropelled up and down a waterway, harbors, sounds and the like toeradicate large dissolved oxygen problems. In addition, this barge canbe stored in a regular barge docking facility or anchor.

It is further recognized that self contained aeration apparatus 400 maybe relatively small such as seven rotors, 40 horse power plant, andapproximately 10 feet in length enabling transport to bodies of waterthat are being stressed by algae blooms, sewage spills, and the like andcan benefit from quick restoration of dissolved gas (oxygen) into thefluid (water).

It is still further recognized that enclosed floating dome aeratordevice 10, mechanical agitation of aerator device 100.1, tetheredaeration apparatus 200, submersible aeration apparatus 300, and selfcontained aeration apparatus 400 may comprise any number of leadingdiscs 81, trailing disc 92, leading shaft 43, trailing shaft 45, rotordesigns shown in FIG. 3 (whether for efficient transfer of dissolved gas(oxygen) into the fluid (water), to match the medium fluid (water), tooperate with chop suspended solids or chop fibrous material suspended influid (water)), instantiated units operating in combination and thelike.

Referring now to FIG. 14 is illustrated an example embodiment of a fullyenclosed in-line pipe or closed receptacle aerator device 100.1 as shownin FIG. 8. In-line pipe aerator device 100.1 preferably includes taperedadapter end 152I affixing compartment 115 to the input flow from pipe 50and tapered adapter end 152D affixing compartment 115 to the output flowto pipe 50. Enclosure 112 and compartment 115 preferably are welded W todischarge pipe's 50 to form a sealed and continuous enclosure 112between ends of pipe 50; however, it should be recognized that variousother methods for affixing enclosure 112 and compartment 115, to taperedadapter ends 152, and for affixing tapered adapter ends 152 to pipe 50may alternatively be utilized. Moreover, it is contemplated thatcompartment 115 may be affixed directly to pipe 50 without the need fortapered adapter ends 152I/152D as shown in FIG. 8.

Preferably, in-line pipe aerator device 100.1 includes trailing discwipe 612 (similar to rotor baffles 463 of FIG. 13) interleaved betweenstrakes 70 of trailing discs 92/192 to maximize liquid flow from mixingarea 100 back into pipe 50. Trailing disc wipes 612 preferably channelliquid being discharged up into upper section 113 of compartment 115 bystrakes 70 on the trailing discs 92/192 and channel the liquid fromlower section 114 of compartment 115 into tapered adapter end 152D andfinally to exit therefrom into pipe 50. Moreover, trailing rotor wipe612 reduces spray and thrown liquid from travelling from lower section114 of compartment 115 to upper section 113 of compartment 115 whentrailing discs 92/192 are in motion.

Preferably, in-line pipe aerator device 100.1 includes leading disc wipe610 (similar to rotor baffles 463 of FIG. 13) interleaved betweenstrakes 70 of leading discs 81/181 to maximize pull of liquid flow frompipe 50 into the mixing area 100. Leading disc wipes 610 preferablychannel the liquid discharged from pipe 50, to tapered adapter end 152Iand finally into lower section 114 of compartment 115, thus reducing theup swell of liquid up into upper section 113 of compartment 115 andmaximizing the liquid being captured by strakes 70 of leading discs81/181. Moreover, leading rotor wipe 610 reduces discharge of incomingliquid travelling from pipe 50 (and tapered adapter end 1521) attemptingto discharge from lower section 114 of compartment 115 to upper section113 of compartment 115 when leading discs 81/181 are in motion.

Air source, such as blower/compressor 16/116, is preferably any commonindustrial variable speed rotary type blower. Blower 16/116 can be ofany standard design with air flow and pressure ratings capable ofincreasing the barometric pressure of the air under dome 12/117 (uppersection 113 of compartment 115) to preferably between approximately35-40 inches of mercury or 1-3 psi, however, greater or lesserbarometric pressure can be utilized depending on the gas and liquidmedium being mixed, the pressure of liquid flow 51/251 form pipe 50, andthe desired waterline 124. It is contemplated herein thatblower/compressor 16/116 will maintain an air environment in uppersection 113 of compartment 115 and may be utilized to regulate the ratioof upper section 113 to lower section 114 of compartment 115. It iscontemplated herein that blower/compressor 16/116 will maintain an airenvironment in upper section 113 of compartment 115 at or above thepressure of liquid flow 51/251 form pipe 50 with the desire to optimizeHenrys Law (maximize the gas dissolve or suspended in the liquid).

Referring now to FIG. 15 is illustrated an example embodiment of a crosssection of the pipe or closed receptacle and enclosure in FIG. 14displaying the hydrodynamics of liquid flowing through in-line pipeaerator device 100.1 including input swells 540, exit swells 542 anddynamics of the liquid gas mixing area 100.

Referring again to FIG. 14, in-line pipe aerator device 100.1 preferablyincludes adjustable nozzle plate 500 housed in tapered adapter end 152Ifor altering the entry angle of arrow 51 of liquid entering lowersection 114 of compartment 115. It is contemplated herein that nozzle500 may be positioned approximate compartment 115 or within pipe 50.Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that nozzle 500 may be configuredwith a contour surface to efficiently adjust the angle of arrow 51 ofliquid entering lower section 114 of compartment 115 to maximize theforce of liquid flow being captured by strakes 70 of leading discs81/181. Preferably, nozzle plate 500 includes pivot point 512 radiallyaffixed to a first end 520 of nozzle plate 500 which enables nozzleplate 500 to pivot about pivot point 512 altering the entry angle ofarrow 51 of liquid entering lower section 114 of compartment 115. Bynozzle plate 500 reflecting arrow 51 of liquid entering compartment 115down toward the bottom of pipe 50 the force of liquid flow into lowersection 114 of compartment 115 is efficiently captured by strakes 70 onthe leading discs 81/181; thus, causing leading discs 81/181 to rotate.Moreover, nozzle plate 500 includes adjustment knob 518 screwed throughnut 516 affixed to surface 510 of tapered adapter end 152I and radiallyaffixed to nozzle plate 500. Preferably knob 518 is adjusted in and outof nut 516; thus, increasing and decreasing, respectively, thereflection angle of arrow 51 of liquid entering lower section 114 ofcompartment 115.

It is contemplated herein that leading disc wipe 610 and/or adjustablenozzle plate 500 operate in combination, as a single unit, are utilizedto maximize liquid flow from pipe 50 into the mixing area 100 andmaximize the capture of force from liquid flow into lower section 114 ofcompartment 115.

It is contemplated herein that leading disc wipe 610 and/or adjustablenozzle plate 500 operate to direct the angle of liquid flow in adirection that aids in the rotation of leading discs 81/181 optimizingthe capture of energy from the liquid flow, to flatten or optimize theshape of the liquid medium, to add velocity to the liquid medium, and tooptimize the shape and direction of the liquid medium.

It is further contemplated herein that in-line pipe aerator device 100.1may be operated at varying pressure and flow rates to maximize liquidand gas integration and to maximize the rate gas is suspended in theliquid.

Referring now to FIG. 16.1 is illustrated a partial end view of anexemplary radial strake with bleed holes functioning similar to FIGS. 3and 5. Strake 70 preferably is configured using two channel bars or oneI-beam (leading channel and trailing channel) and is generally u-shaped;however, other shapes are contemplated herein. Strake 70 has an openleading face 74 (leading channel) and an open trailing face 75 (trailingchannel) wherein faces 74 and 75 preferably extend lengthwise alongstrake 70 forming peripheral edges of a channel for strake 70 to carryliquid and/or gas. Preferably, open leading face 74 has on one endmounting face 76 and on the other end has generally a rectangle shapedend cap 72 forming a trough to carry liquid and/or gas. Additionally,strake 70 preferably has a plurality of bleed holes 78 defined throughexterior sidewall 79 of open leading face 74. Alternatively, opentrailing face 75 has on one end mounting face 76 and on the other end isopen to maximize energy capture.

Referring now to FIG. 16.2 is illustrated a partial side view of aradial strake of FIG. 16.1 with bleed holes and energy capture members77 according to another example embodiment. Preferably, open trailingface 75 includes acute angled energy capture members 77 for capturingthe energy or force from liquid flow travelling from pipe 50 into lowersection 114 of compartment 115 wherein such force is exerted against theback side of strake 70 (trailing face 75). Energy capture members 77 arepreferably spaced radial from the center of disc 60 to its outercircumference and angled at an acute angle relative to bottom sidewallwall 73 of open trailing face 75. Position and angle of energy capturemember 77 may be varied in size, shape, angle, and placement to maximizeaerator device 10/100.1 energy capture efficiency and dissolved gastransfer rate in any liquid medium.

Referring now to FIG. 17 is front sectional view of a pair of discshaving strakes shown in FIG. 16 and showing their direction of rotationand direction of liquid flow according to an example embodiment, wherethe position and angle of energy capture strakes 77 of open trailingface 75 are set at acute angles to capture energy from liquid flowexerted against the back side of strake 70.

It is contemplated herein that pipe 50 includes, but is not limited to,conduit, tube, enclosed vessel or receptacle and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 18 there is illustrated a flow diagram 1800 of amethod of controlled ventilation, scrubbing, and aeration of a liquidmedium LM. In block or step 1810, obtaining an apparatus comprising dome12, blower 16, orifice 27.4 in said dome 12, leading disc 81, trailingdisc 92, and at least two strakes 70, wherein first strake 70 is carriedby leading disc 81 and second strake 70 is carried by trailing disc 92.In block or step 1820, preferably first strake 70 carried by leadingdisc 81 rotates and impacts liquid medium LM, such impact causes liquidmedium LM to extract or release bad gas BG from the liquid medium LM,and wherein blower 16 evacuates or pushes such bad gas BG and air Athrough orifice 27.4 out of dome 12. Moreover, liquid medium LMoverladen with bad gas BG has been scrubbed or purged of a portion orsubstantial portion of bad gas BG and is in a prepared condition toaccept, feed, or intake oxygen or air A in mixing area 100. Such stepincreases the efficiency of the liquid medium to accept, feed, or intakeof oxygen or air A in mixing area 100 by making space available inliquid medium for intake of oxygen or air A. Still further when blower16 pressurizes dome 12 and blower 16 evacuates such bad gas BG and air Athrough orifice 27.4 out of dome 12 liquid medium is preferably exposedto air A without any pockets of bad gas BG. In block or step 1830,trapping liquid between said discs (leading disc 81 and trailing disc92) in a mixing area 100. In block or step 1840, forcing, carrying, orpushing the gas depleted liquid up into mixing area 100 by first strake70 carried by trailing disc 92. In block or step 1850, forcing,carrying, or pushing gas within dome 12 down into mixing area 100 bysecond strake 70 carried by leading disc 81. In block or step 1860,creating a shear force F between the gas and the gas depleted liquid,liquid medium LM therein said mixing area 100 to increase the dissolvedgas in the liquid medium LM. In block or step 1870, obtaining shearingforces, wherein first liquid force F from first strake 70 on leadingdisc 81 and second liquid force F from second strake 70 on trailing disc92 are forced together by aerator device 10 to increase the dissolvedgas in the liquid medium LM.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present disclosure. Having thus described exemplary embodiments,it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the stepsof a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one ordinarilyskilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefitof the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has beendescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to thespecific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for controlled ventilation andaeration of a liquid medium, the apparatus comprising: a) a domesupported by a flotation device; b) a lower housing supported by saidflotation device, said lower housing connected to said dome, wherein asealed space is defined under said dome and above the flotation liquid;c) one or more orifices, said orifices configured in said dome; and d)an aeration apparatus positioned within said sealed space and partiallysubmerged in the flotation liquid, wherein said aeration apparatuscomprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first discpositioned axially on one of said shafts, at least one second discpositioned axially on another of said shafts, wherein said second discis interleaved relative to said first disc, and wherein a surface ofsaid first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of said seconddisc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one blower, saidblower disposed in a position enabling an effect therefrom on thebarometric pressure in said sealed space.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein said one or more orifices, each orifice further comprises adampening apparatus configured to adjust the air flow through saidorifice from said blower.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said oneor more orifices disposed in a position above an interior liquid linewithin said dome.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said one or moreorifices, each orifice further comprises a vent tube to vent air flowfrom said blower through said orifice to above a liquid line.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more orifices disposed in aposition above a liquid line.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein saidblower maintains a specified pressure under said dome enabling saidinterior liquid line to be disposed in a position below said liquidline.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising at least onestrake carried by said first disc, each of said at least one stakedefining a channel with end caps, and at least one strake carried bysaid second disc.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least onestrake strikes the liquid at said interior liquid line extracting gasfrom the liquid decreasing the dissolved gas in the liquid.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein said at least one strake pulls the liquidinto a scrubbing area to extract the gas in the liquid to form gasdepleted liquid.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said blowerevacuates the extracted gas outside said dome through said orifice toabove a liquid line via said vent tube.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein said first disc carries gas from within said dome into saidmixing area and said second disc carries the gas depleted liquid intosaid mixing area producing a shear force between the gas and the gasdepleted liquid increasing the dissolved gas in the liquid.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein said strake on said first disc carriesgas down into said mixing area and said strake on said second disccarries the gas depleted liquid up into said mixing area producing ashear force between the gas and the gas depleted liquid increasing thedissolved gas in the liquid.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein anincrease in said barometric pressure under said dome via said blowerenhances contact between said gas and said liquid within said sealedspace.
 15. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said one or more orifices,each orifice further comprises a valve mechanism configured to adjustair flow through said orifice. wherein said one or more orifices, eachorifice further comprises a vent tube to vent air flow from said blowerthrough said orifice to above a liquid line.
 16. A method of controlledrelease, ventilation, and aeration of a liquid comprising the steps of:a) obtaining an apparatus comprising a dome, blower, orifice in saiddome, leading disc, trailing disc, and at least two strakes, whereinsaid first strake is carried by said leading disc and said second strakeis carried by said trailing disc; b) impacting said first strake carriedby said leading disc with the liquid to release gas from the liquid, andwherein said blower ventilates the gas via said orifice in said dome; c)trapping liquid between said discs in a mixing area; d) forcing the gasdepleted liquid up into said mixing area by said first strake; e)forcing gas within said dome down into said mixing area by said secondstrake; and f) creating a shear force between the gas and the gasdepleted liquid therein said mixing area to increase the dissolved gasin the liquid.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising a shearingforce in said mixing area, said shearing force comprising a first liquidforce from said first strake on said leading disc and a second liquidforce from said second strake on said trailing disc.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said mixing area is defined as an area below a liquidline and between said discs, wherein said leading disc and said trailingdisc overlap.
 19. The method of claim 16, performed under a sealed dome.20. The method of claim 16, performed under a pressurized dome.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein said sealed dome traps odorous gas.
 22. Themethod of claim 19, wherein said sealed dome traps noise.
 23. The methodof claim 19, wherein said sealed dome traps foam.
 24. The method ofclaim 19, performed in a pipe.